Which texture suits you?

Older people who enjoy hearty seeded bread

If you enjoy bread with kernels or seeds and find its coarser texture comfortable to chew, check which seeds the product contains. Also check separately that it is labelled as wholemeal bread.

Older people who prefer finer-textured bread

If you have a dry mouth or sensitive gums, a finer-textured slice may be more comfortable than coarse bread with kernels. The Voedingscentrum notes that these issues can make chewing and swallowing more difficult for older people, so choose a texture that feels comfortable for you.

Shoppers comparing nutritional information

If fibre, salt and ingredients are important to you, compare products on the same basis, such as per 100 g. A claim on the front of the pack doesn’t replace the nutrition table or ingredients list.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the wholemeal label, then choose a texture you find comfortable. Finally, compare the nutritional information and ingredients of the breads you’re considering.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal flour and fibre Check that the bread is labelled wholemeal. Compare fibre per 100 g if the slices are different sizes. I want to choose wholemeal bread first and not be guided by visible seeds alone. For around 36% of shoppers, wholemeal flour is the top priority.
Chewing comfort and texture Consider whether the crumb, crust and kernels are comfortable to chew; if coarse bread doesn’t feel comfortable, consider a finer-textured option. If I have a dry mouth or sensitive gums, I’m mainly looking for a slice I can eat comfortably. Chewing comfort comes first for around 29% of shoppers.
Salt and nutritional value Compare the salt and fibre content of both breads per 100 g. If there’s a comparative claim, check what it refers to. I want to compare the nutritional information before choosing between two breads. Around 21% of shoppers give this the highest priority.
Seeds and allergens Read the latest ingredients list and allergen information, including any warnings about possible traces. If I need to avoid an ingredient, I want to know which seeds and allergens this particular bread contains. For around 14% of shoppers, this check is decisive.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming seeded or multigrain means wholemeal

    Seeds can also be found in bread that isn’t labelled as wholemeal. The texture you want and whether the bread is wholemeal are two separate things to consider.

    Check the type of bread first, then see which seeds or kernels have been added.

  • Relying only on a fibre or salt claim

    A comparison on the packaging applies to that particular product and the stated basis of comparison, not to every bread from the same brand.

    Compare the nutrition tables per 100 g and check what the claim refers to.

  • Choosing coarse bread without considering chewing comfort

    The Voedingscentrum notes that a dry mouth or sensitive gums can make chewing more difficult for older people. If this applies to you, give extra thought to a coarse texture.

    Consider whether the crust and kernels feel comfortable, or choose a finer-textured wholemeal option. Speak to a healthcare professional about ongoing swallowing difficulties.

  • Trying to work out allergens from the product name

    A name such as seeded bread doesn’t tell you which seeds are in it or whether there are warnings about possible traces.

    Check the latest ingredients list and allergen information for the specific bread every time you buy it.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers a range of wholemeal breads, including AH Biologisch Batard volkoren zonnepit gesneden.

  • The sunflower seed option is a useful starting point if you’re looking for bread with kernels.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the product page or packaging for the option you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists both fine wholemeal bread and options with seeds and kernels.

  • Jumbo says Korn Volkoren contains oat flakes, linseed, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds; its range also includes Fijn Volkoren.
  • Check the latest ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each option.

ALDI

ALDI describes Boeren volkoren meergranen as bread with grains and seeds, and also lists a separate Extra vezelrijk volkorenbrood.

  • The product names offer different starting points for comparing texture and nutritional information.
  • A label or claim for one bread doesn’t automatically apply to another option; compare the individual labels.

PLUS

For Boeren volkoren heel, PLUS lists the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values on the product page.

  • For this bread, PLUS lists 6,7 g of fibre and 1,03 g of salt per 100 g, so you can compare these figures with another bread on the same basis.
  • This product isn’t a confirmed example of seeded bread; look at a seeded option separately if the seed mix matters to you.

Dirk

Dirk’s range includes products such as Bakker van der Akker Boeren Extra vezels volkoren and Bakkers Multikorn volkoren.

  • These options give you wholemeal breads to compare at product level.
  • Don’t assume from the name which seeds or allergens an option contains; check the product information or packaging.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does wholemeal bread have to contain seeds?

No, seeds aren’t needed for bread to be wholemeal. According to the Voedingscentrum, wholemeal bread contains fibre. Seeds and kernels can change the flavour and texture, but on their own they don’t prove that the bread is wholemeal.

Is seeded wholemeal bread comfortable to eat if chewing becomes more difficult?

It depends on the texture and what you find comfortable to chew. If you have a dry mouth or sensitive gums, finer-textured wholemeal bread may feel more comfortable than a coarse option. Speak to a healthcare professional about ongoing swallowing difficulties.

How do I compare the salt content of two wholemeal breads?

Compare the salt content of both breads per 100 g, or use portions of the same weight. This means a difference in slice size won’t affect the comparison.

Where can I find the allergens in seeded bread?

Read the latest ingredients list and allergen information for the specific bread, especially if you need to avoid an ingredient. Also look out for any warnings about possible traces; don’t rely on the product name or picture alone.